Selecting the Right Components
In the general population, there are people who prefer Ford; some GM; and others Dodge, Nissan, or any of the other brands. If you have more money, you can choose Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, or a different luxury car.
When you want to go even higher, you may be able to pick a more custom vehicle. Regardless, in the end, the vehicle you choose is based on your personal preference, which comes from past experience, style desires, funding available, and probably influence from advertisements and marketing efforts of the vehicle companies. It can also be from networking and the opinions of your connections. Regardless of your reasons, it often boils down to your choice. But in almost all cases, you will not have any options or be very limited when picking components. You get what the manufacturer puts on the vehicle with few exceptions. Of course, the components may be factored into your decision-making process.
But when it comes to components in a fire truck or other emergency vehicle, many (if not a majority) in the fire service have their own preferences when it comes to pumps, fittings, nozzles, hoses, and the like. Department mechanics will have their preferences regarding engine types, transmissions, and maybe even tires. You should be getting the picture. There is a certain brand loyalty that goes beyond the manufacturer of the truck and promotes purchasing custom vehicles so that departments get the end vehicles they desire that have the components they really want. This is not a bad thing and has its advantages. But, departments should evaluate what they are doing and make sure there are sound reasons, not that a habit has been formed. This is only stated because there are many good products available, and they may be able to meet the needs of the department.
GOOD FOR THE ORGANIZATION
You should be able to get the vehicle that makes the most sense for your organization, and a person who knows nothing of your operations cannot make the choice for you. There are quality consultants who can help, and the good ones will learn as much about your department as they can so they can make recommendations based on your needs—not necessarily their preference. Of course, a good consultant should have a feel for the market and what vehicles are likely to match your circumstances. But, they may also have their own personal biases based on their experiences and history with particular manufacturers. Whether you use consultants or your own in-house experts, knowledge of the components will help you get the best vehicle for your situation, but only if they take the time to evaluate your needs.
When drafting specifications for a custom vehicle, you need to decide which components are mandatory by particular brand and which ones have options. The more flexibility you have, the more choices you are likely to have. For example, if you want a particular pump on the truck, you may restrict which companies may be able to offer that option. Of course, if all of your vehicles have the same pump, there is an advantage to keeping things similar for training, repairs, and parts. This may not matter if the person